and suspicious expression, but without the harshness which
belongs to the Mongolian countenance. His voice is rather
effeminate, and does not, therefore, accord with his manly complexion,
which is a dark brown, tinged with olive. His dress
is probably as simple as it was in the days of Abraham ; and
its form is apparently the same as that which is indicated by
Herodotus.1 That of the ordinary Bedawin consists of a thick
cloak of moderate width, having, up and down it, alternate
stripes, either of brown or black, and white. Beneath the
cloak, and under a pair of ample cotton drawers, is worn a
thick shirt, of the same material; the drawers are kept in
their place by means of a girdle of embroidered leather, about
three inches and a half broad, containing sometimes a small
curved dagger, with an ornamented h ilt; but more generally
only a clasp-knife, suspended by a chord on the right side.
Strong sandals, or coarse shoes, of red, or, more frequently,
yellow leather, cover the feet, and the legs are rarely encumbered
with stockings. Instead of the ordinary turban of other
eastern people, the head and the greater part of the face of the
Bedawin are protected by a yellow striped kerchief, made of
silk and cotton, one end of which is allowed to fall behind,
and two others on the shoulders; the kerchief has a row of
points of the same materials, neatly plaited, by way of border.
This head-dress, called a kefiyeh, is kept in its place by means
of a peculiar cord turban, of mixed colours, composed of
camel’s hair; the cord is about an inch in diameter, and is
rolled five or six times round the kefiyeh, as near the top of
the head as possible. On his finger are several turquoise
rings.
In the summer time the Bedawin is content with the cotton
shirt; while the sheikhs and richer individuals wear, at this
season, a long dress, either of bright-striped silk, or printed
calico.2 When travelling, an Arab has commonly an abba in
addition. This is a large outer cloak in one, or, at most, two
pieces, and of the simplest make, being almost square, and
having an opening for the neck, with one on each side for the
arms. The Arabs seldom shave the head, and the hair is
either plaited, or left in a natural state, falling in a profusion
of ringlets which sometimes almost hide the face. They take
more pains with the trappings of their horses, and the ornaments
of their camels, than with their own persons ; and they
pride themselves on the number of trinkets worn by the
females belonging to the family.
Arms may be considered an indispensable part of the dress
of an Arab, for he is seldom, if ever, without them. The
ordinary weapon is a bamboo lance, about 13 feet in length,
ornamented with two round tufts of black ostrich-feathers
near the point, which is tipped with iron, usually square, and
about eight inches long.1 In addition to the lance, he frequently
has a couple of javelins to hurl at his enemy when he
is unable to reach him with the lance. The bow and arrow
are occasionally, though rarely, seen. A much curved sword
is the common weapon, and the Arab also carries a small round
leather shield, slung at his back. An iron mace, bristling
with pointed spikes at the larger end, is also an ordinary
weapon of the Bedawin; but when this cannot be procured,
he contents himself with a short stick, having a large round
knob at the extremity, which is generally ornamented with
rude carving. In close quarters, this primitive weapon would
deal out a severe blow; and, in addition, the Arab is generally
provided with a common sling for throwing stones, when
game, or his enemy are at a certain distance.
These last are, however, as may be supposed, the weapons
of the very poorest people. Whenever it is possible to obtain
one, the Arab uses a long matchlock-gun, and two powder-
horns, one filled with fine powder for priming, and the other,
which is much larger, containing ordinary powder for loading.
He also has several leather pouches pendent from his
shoulders, containing different implements for keeping the
matchlock in repair, and carrying wadding, spare match,
tinder, flint, and steel.
But the Arab is equipped in the most approved style, when,